Insurance Controller

Job Description

Department: Finance / Accounting

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Location: Missoula, Montana

FLSA Status: Exempt

Date: October 28, 2025

Position Summary

The Insurance Controller is the senior financial professional of the organization, responsible for overseeing all accounting, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance for a small property & casualty insurance company and third-party administrator. This is a hands-on role, directly managing the day-to-day accounting operations while ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with statutory accounting principles (SAP) and state insurance regulations. The Controller serves as a trusted financial partner to leadership, helping guide business decisions through strong financial insight and control.

Key Responsibilities

Accounting & Financial Reporting

Manage all aspects of accounting operations, premium accounting, claims accounting, reinsurance, third party administrator activities, (including billing for each), general ledger maintenance, employee benefits, and investment accounting.

Lead the company’s disbursement activities.

Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with Statutory Accounting Principles (SAP) and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

Ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial data, including reinsurance settlements, loss reserve reconciliations, and earned/unearned premium calculations.

Lead the month-end and year-end close process, ensuring timely and accurate reporting.

Prepare management reports and variance analyses for the executive team.

Regulatory Compliance & Reporting

Prepare and file NAIC quarterly and annual statutory statements, including all schedules and exhibits.

Ensure compliance with state insurance department requirements, including financial exams, risk-based capital filings, and premium tax reporting.

Monitor and interpret changes in insurance accounting standards and regulatory requirements, updating processes and controls accordingly.

Serve as liaison to external auditors, actuaries, and regulators during audits and examinations.

Internal Controls & Process Improvement

Establish and maintain effective internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure the accuracy of financial data.

Document and enhance accounting policies, procedures, and workflows for a small-company environment.

Identify and implement opportunities for process improvement and automation in accounting and reporting.

Leadership & Collaboration

Supervise a small accounting or bookkeeping staff or perform hands-on accounting work directly.

Collaborate with underwriting, claims, and reinsurance teams to ensure accurate financial data and reporting.

Partner with leadership to support strategic planning, budgeting, and forecasting activities.

Periodic presentation to the Company’s Audit Committee and/or Board of Directors.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.

Minimum 3–5 years of accounting experience, with experience in accounting in the property & casualty insurance industry a plus, which would include:

Knowledge of Statutory Accounting Principles (SAP) and insurance regulatory reporting.

Experience preparing NAIC statutory filings and working with reinsurance accounting preferred.

Familiarity with insurance financial systems and policy administration systems.

Skills & Competencies

Strong technical accounting skills and attention to detail.

Hands-on and self-directed; able to work independently in a small-company environment.

Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational abilities.

Proficient in accounting systems and advanced Excel skills.

Effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate across departments.

Integrity, confidentiality, and commitment to compliance and accuracy.

Working Conditions

Full-time, on-site.

May require extended hours during financial close, audit, or filing cycles.

Full-time